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It’s a simple question, and it doesn’t seem to come out in just that way. In different ways, though, we hear it from our friends, our kids, our spouse/significant other, and (perhaps most importantly) from our own internal voice. We ask ourselves why we are here, and why we are parents.

We want to give our children the best shot for a bright future, but really we are dealing with our own personal perceptions on parenting. So, when those questions arise, we are also forced to confront the realities of our childhood, and also realize what we see as success for our children.

So, why do I do what I do:

It’s because I can’t imagine any other life… any other way of being.

When I became a dad, it was immediately the primary focus of my life.

I want my child to have a better childhood than the one I had.

I don’t want him to follow my path.

I want him to contribute something to this world — of value, purpose, but also to humanity (make this world a better place).

I don’t always think that I succeed in my goals as a parent. Perhaps my eyes are wider, my wishes are too lofty, and the realities of this world will never allow me to offer the kind of future that I hope for my son.

I also know, though, that there’s that famous phrase: “Never, ever give up!”

I can’t give up. And, I hope that my son will learn that there’s always something worth fighting for.